Aurora (#1)

E p i l o g u e

Sarah Greensmith. 1961-2006. Loving mother and wife. The light in the world.

Joseph Greensmith. 1958-2006. Loving father and husband. The rock that was the foundation of the world.

Kiera Greensmith 1992-2006. Cherish daughter and sister. Filled the world with laughter.

PFC Jackson Greensmith 1985-2006. Medal of Honor. Stand strong soldier.

"Hey mom, hey dad... hey Kiera." I greeted as I kneeled down in the wet grass. "I went to see Jack earlier. I still have his flag which you were meant to receive. His ceremony was beautiful, so structured and meticulous. There was just me and his army buddies." I sighed placing a bunch of lilies at each headstone.

"I know I haven't come to see you in eight years but I couldn't. You understand right? Tom was killed by an IED a few days after the car crash. He didn't even know you guys had gone too. But I'm getting better I promise. I've done so much. I've just come back from London and it was amazing. I never thought I would extend my stay for another three years, but the people there were awesome. You would have loved it dad. And Kiera, there were so many hot guys out there for you, I know how much you dig the British accent.

It was such a fulfilling experience you know. When I got the letter in the mail I knew this was my chance. I had to do this. It's all I've wanted to do. I want to be a good lawyer. I want to fight for the kids who can't fight for themselves. Mom, dad I don't want to tell you what all I've been through because I don't want you to blame yourself. The accident wasn't your fault, it was the guy who was drinking and driving. I may have lost everything that day, but I also gained a hell of a lot in the years that followed.

New York was amazing. I managed to get into a private school on full scholarship! I made so many friends, even though I didn't think they would accept me. Mr Jamieson, Rosa, Enrique, Echo. I made so many friendships, I never thought my life could get better but it did. New York is the city of dreams but to me it's my life. I know I was born and brought up here, but New York made me whole and new. It made me find myself. It healed me. I have to tell you about my friends.

Jess and Felicity are...were my two crazy best friends. They made me forget the sadness. They were tonnes of fun and excitement. I went to a ball for them, can you imagine? I would do anything for those girls like I know they'd do anything for me. They kept me going, persevering. I never felt alone when I was with them. They accepted me with the snap of their fingers, they weren't even angry with me. They gave me a makeover- which I am now so grateful for because in London, everything was so posh.

Oliver is Jess' twin brother and quite the opposite. He's loud and pretty much a player. From what I heard Oliver is not dating anyways at college yet. Guess he hasn't found 'the one'. Ben is gay, not the stereotype gay. He's a chill guy. Lucas is a quiet guy and as far as I can remember he's dating Jess. They're such a cute couple. It took them forever to get together. I had to give them a nudge. I think they're still together, I hope they are at least.

And then there's Donny. He's here, he came with me- for moral support. Now dad, I haven't replaced you, but I needed Donny just as much as he needed me. His wife died from cancer before they could have kids, and he's been grieving since. Donny became a stable father figure in my life. You'd like him, he's a cop. I love him so much. I love you guys too. You'll always be my number ones.

I fell in love with this guy called Christian. I know dad, no dating till I am thirty, but he was amazing. He was broken, we both were. I guess we fixed each other. I knew that I couldn't let myself get attached but I couldn't help myself. I just felt loved. He cared for me, he loved me even after finding the truth about me. Not many people can do that you know. I didn't think I would fit in again. I never thought people would stop calling the orphan kid who killed her parents or the scholarship girl. I didn't think I could find love, but I did.

I miss you guys so much. Everyday I think about you and every night I talk to you. Do you hear me? I hope you do. I don't wish I was there with you because there's so much I want to do here before I join you so I don't think you'll be seeing me anytime soon. I'll make you guys proud. I'll make our family proud. I'll fight for what we believed in, what I believe in. I'll live not just survive. In fact I'll thrive. I love you, forever and always."

****

That's it guys! Aurora is over! I can't believe it. It took 11 months to write. 11 long hard months. It's not as long as Sweetest Confusion- I didn't want it to be. It's still kinda surreal that I've finished writing it. The ending my seem rushed, and maybe it is. I'll back to it someday but for now this chapter is over. I think I'm going to get an editor to edit this because I have no time left to dedicate to writing.

Med school takes up my whole life, I managed to find a little bit of time to write the last two chapters. It's a miracle really. Currently it's 4.35am and if there's spelling mistakes don't blame me, blame the sleep. Thanks for supporting my through another one of my projects. It's going to take a while before I realise it's over. Kinda weird to see the green tick after the title.

About the sequel- I'm thinking about it. It will probably be in Christian's point of view. I haven't decided. I've only just finished Aurora, give me a break! I'll try and keep you all in the loop of what will be going on. But I have no idea what's going to happening myself. Take one day at a time. I'll cross the bridge when I get to it.

For now,

Eat a cookie and keep smiling!!

Neha xx